N. Mojsilović

Senior Research Associate and Lecturer, Institute of Structural Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, mojsilovic@ibk.baug.ethz.ch

ABSTRACT

This paper discusses masonry characteristics derived from compression tests. The stress-strain relationship and the applicability of orthotropic elasticity to masonry are examined. It is concluded that masonry behaves more or less as a linear-elastic material, in particular for working loads (loads up to 30% of the failure load). For higher loads, concrete and calciumsilicate block masonry exhibit nonlinear behaviour, while clay brick masonry remains linearelastic up to failure. At the same time concrete block masonry can be considered as isotropic, and calcium-silicate block and clay brick masonry as orthotropic materials. Based on the test results, a set of simple linear relationships between masonry characteristics is proposed for practical use.

KEYWORDS: in-plane forces, orthotropy, stiffness, tests, walls

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